Metal-based core nanoparticles, synthesis and use

A nanoparticle comprising:

• a metal-based core,
• a first coating layer substantially covering the metal-based core to generate a coated metal-based core, and
• a second coating layer at least partially covering the coated metal-based core, wherein the metal-based core comprises at least one transition metal, and wherein the metal-based core comprises the at least one transition metal substantially in a state of zero oxidation,
• wherein the first coating layer comprises a siloxane-based layer as represented in Formula 1:
• wherein in Formula 1 n is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 15, and R1 and R2 are each a moiety that is independently selected from a group consisting of —CHO, —COH, —COOH, —SH, —CONH2, —PO3H, —OPO4H, —SO3H, —OSO3H, —N3, —OH, —SS-, —H, —NO2, —CHO, —COOCO—, —CONH—, —CN, —NH2, —RHO, —ROH, —RCOOH, —RNH, —NR3OH wherein R is CnH2n wherein n is an integer greater than 0 and less than or equal to 15, and —COX wherein X is one of F, Cl, Br, and I;
• and
• wherein the second coating layer comprises zwitterionic dopamine sulfonate (ZDS).